I began making guitars in 1966 in Dayton Ohio, where I worked out of my house. From 1968-1970 I lived in Mexico City, returning during the summers to build instruments at the Dayton location.

During this time I was studying Anthropology and playing flamenco guitar professionally in various troupes in Mexico and around the U.S. In 1972 I moved to Chicago and worked briefly out of the back of a music store before moving to my present location in 1973.

At that point I gave up any pretensions of being a professional guitarist and dedicated myself full time to lutherie.

My 800 Greenwood Street shop has undergone several renovations and changes over the years, the most recent being the 1995 massive renovation I did of the outside and inside of the building.

As a result, my building is now climate controlled throughout the entire 4,000 square feet, and it has now acquired a nicer facade, with more interior showroom space than was previously available.

Consequently, we are better able to serve those who prefer to visit the shop to select an instrument from our extensive inventory, which is housed in glass fronted rosewood cabinets. Being able to play many instruments side by side is very helpful in making a final selection, and we have full repair/restoration facilities on the premises for minor action adjustments to major restorations of valuable collector instruments.

1997 Pimentel

1997 Pimentel M-1 Deluxe (U.S.A.) No. 5- NSK, 650 mm scale, nut is 51 mm, strings are spaced 45 mm on centers between 1st and 6th, action at the 12th fret is 4 mm on the bass side and 3 mm on the treble side. Spruce top, mahogany sides and back, original lacquer varnish. For many decades the Pimentel family of New Mexico has been making classical guitars in Albuquerque. Popular with students and teachers, these instruments are good value and solid construction made right here in the U.S.A. This instrument is very open and has been well played, the trebles are even and open, with a sweet character and the basses are round and Spanish-like. Action is easy and the condition is great, there is only minor crazing of the original lacquer finish and some playing/handling wear visible, no cracks or repairs. $1,500